COLUMBUS - For the second consecutive year, Shelby finished runner-up at the state golf tournament to a team the Whippets beat previously in the season.

Last year, Independence won after Shelby bested the 76ers at their own invitational. This year, Lima Central Catholic (652) took home the state title by 22 strokes after Shelby beat the Thunderbirds three times, most recently for the district crown.

"It's kind of a disappointing day but, all in all, our team was successful a second year in a row," Shelby coach Brad Ruminski said. "Coming in second is still a great accomplishment and we're very proud of it and honored to be a part of it.

"Lima Central Catholic played fantastic, they deserve the win. I'm happy for them and Megan Mulcahy shot 78, a personal best for their senior."

Ruminski's sophomore daughter, Amanda, led the way for Shelby with a 148, the third-lowest individual score of the weekend on Ohio State's Gray Course.

"I'm very honored to be a part of the state tournament and to even make it All-Ohio was awesome," Amanda said. "I think I did well and even though I could've done better, I'm still glad I kept the focus I had."

The Whippets' No. 1 credited her play on the greens for the standout performance.

"I had some really clutch putts," Amanda said. "My driver and irons weren't good today and I couldn't chip either. I was lucky to get some pars, if I'm being honest, but I'm glad I had some good putts.

Brad Ruminski admitted he was sad Amanda missed out on medalist honors by a single stroke as Lakota's Kyleigh Dull and Shaker Heights Laurel's Jami Morris shared the honors with a 147.

"She came so close to victory," Brad said. "Three-putting the 17th hole felt like it was going to come back to haunt her and it did, but I couldn't be more proud of her. It's great to see her humility in the midst of the trials."

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Shelby's Amanda Ruminski hits out of the bunker near the 15th green Saturday on Ohio State's Gray Course.(Photo11: Zachary Holden/Telegraph-Forum)

Freshman Nicole Jones had a 163, senior Lexi Uplinger a 176 and junior Julia Gutchall a 187 to round out the team's 674. Sophomore Gillian Stumbo shot a 204 for the Whippets.

"Today I shot a 39 on the front nine, which is the best I've ever shot out here," Uplinger said. "I had a 45 on the second nine to finish with an 84 which is the lowest I have shot here. I'm so lucky, I never thought I'd make it to state, then going back a second year I thought would be crazy.

"To come back here again (for the third time), it's such an amazing experience."

Though this was Uplinger's final state tournament appearance, the Whippets return a strong core that should lead them back to state for a fourth year in a row in 2019.

"We will be working harder and hopefully be back next year," Brad Ruminski said. "The OHSAA really puts on a great tournament and we are looking forward to returning."